El-Sisi stresses Arab unity, warns against external interference - Foreign Affairs

Al-Ahram Weekly

7 hours ago

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi underscored on Wednesday the strength of Egypt's relations with Arab states and the necessity of overcoming disagreements to preserve Arab unity, affirming that any external interference aims to destabilise Arab states.
El-Sisi's remarks came during an inspection visit to the Egyptian Military Academy at the State's Strategic Command Headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
According to the Egyptian presidency, El-Sisi emphasised that Arab security is an integrated whole to which Egypt is closely linked, noting that the Arab region has been experiencing exceptional circumstances since 2011, not just since October 2023.
He added that ensuing events have proven the soundness of Egyptian policies based on balance, non-interference, respect for state sovereignty, and developmental efforts, El-Sisi said, warning against attempts by media outlets to sow discord among Arab peoples amid regional threats.
Regarding the situation in Gaza, the president noted that Egypt has made immense efforts since 2007 to avoid escalation and stressed that the Palestinian people in the Strip would pay the price in any confrontation.
El-Sisi affirmed that the current destruction in Gaza is unprecedented and that the Egyptian state continues efforts to stop the war and deliver humanitarian aid.
He also highlighted Egypt's efforts to secure the release of captives and detainees, despite the distortion and misinformation campaigns that target the state's pivotal role.
Furthermore, the president pointed out that the geopolitical circumstances, including the war in Gaza, have negatively impacted Suez Canal revenues, which declined by $7 billion.
However, he added, the path of economic reform is ongoing and witnessing significant progress, as affirmed by international organisations.
El-Sisi emphasised that when state institutions operate efficiently, with knowledge and expertise, economic achievements will be realised and development goals will be met.
He also highlighted the importance of scientific progress and technological advances, including social media platforms, which he described as not inherently bad but whose impact depends on how these advances are employed.
In contrast, El-Sisi indicated that if used correctly, social media platforms can be a helpful tool. Still, he maintained that as things stand, social media has been used to sow discord, spread rumours, and undermine morale among Egyptians, who he described as facing challenges with increasing awareness.
Domestically, Egypt, the president continued, is stable thanks to the state's policy of transparency and credibility, which has proven effective over the past decade.
Moreover, El-Sisi noted that though Egypt has faced significant security challenges for over a decade, the state has successfully overcome them and continues to make tangible progress despite the difficult regional situation.
During the visit, he expressed his profound appreciation for the Academy's leadership, faculty, and students.
The president also noted that the Academy is not merely an institution for building character, but also prepares men and women for facing the challenges that beset various state institutions in the modern world.
In addition, El-Sisi commended the courses the Academy offers to civilian cadres, stressing the importance of its training and educational programmes in multiple disciplines.
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